Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a vegetable oil derived from the kernel of the coconut fruit. It is produced as a crude oil that has not been chemically modified.
Prices, specifications and international trade for coconut oil under HS 151311.
Coconut Oil Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Coconut oil is quoted in USD/t at PHL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
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Philippines led reported coconut oil exports in 2025, at $1.7B.
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Coconut oil grading factors include Free fatty acid content, Moisture and impurities, and Colour and odour.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for coconut oil considers Free fatty acid content, Moisture and impurities, and Colour and odour.
- Free fatty acid content
Lower free fatty acid levels indicate less hydrolysis and better quality, as high acidity can cause off-flavours and reduce refining yield.
- Moisture and impurities
Excess moisture and foreign matter can promote microbial growth and accelerate rancidity, affecting shelf life and downstream processing.
- Colour and odour
A clear, light colour and neutral smell are preferred for refined uses, while crude oil may have a characteristic coconut aroma that can be desirable in some applications.
- Peroxide value
This measures oxidative rancidity; a low value indicates the oil has not been exposed to excessive oxygen or heat, which would degrade quality.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for coconut oil include Rancidity, High free fatty acids, and Moisture and sediment.
- Rancidity
Oxidation or hydrolysis produces off-flavours and odours, often described as stale, soapy, or metallic, reducing the oil's acceptability for food use.
- High free fatty acids
Elevated acidity from poor copra quality or improper handling can cause a sour or sharp taste and increase refining losses.
- Moisture and sediment
Visible water or solid particles can indicate poor processing or storage, leading to microbial growth and accelerated deterioration.
Coconut Oil Facts and HS Code
Coconut oil belongs to vegetable oils within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 151311.
Coconut Oil HS Code
| Also known as | copra oil, coconut oil, crude |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Vegetable oils — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed |
| HS codes | 151311 |
| HS6 description | Vegetable oils; coconut (copra) oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | PHL |
Production & Handling
Coconut oil storage guidance: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Protect from oxygen and moisture to prevent oxidation and hydrolysis, which cause rancidity and off-flavours.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Protect from oxygen and moisture to prevent oxidation and hydrolysis, which cause rancidity and off-flavours. |
| Production methods | Farmed |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical coconut oil packaging includes Flexible tank container, Steel drum, and IBC tote.
- Flexible tank container
Used for bulk liquid transport in ISO containers, suitable for large volumes where the oil is pumped directly to storage tanks.
- Steel drum
Used for smaller lots or where flexibility is needed; drums protect the oil from light and air and are easy to handle in less mechanized supply chains.
- IBC tote
Intermediate bulk containers with a protective cage, used for medium volumes, offering easier handling and stacking compared to drums.
Uses & Risks
Coconut oil is used in Refined coconut oil production, Edible oil for cooking and frying, and Cosmetic and personal care ingredients.
End Uses
- Refined coconut oil production
Crude oil is refined, bleached, and deodorized to remove free fatty acids, colour, and odour, producing a neutral oil for food and cosmetic applications.
- Edible oil for cooking and frying
The oil is used directly in households and food service for its high smoke point and stability, providing a neutral or slightly coconutty flavour depending on refinement.
- Cosmetic and personal care ingredients
The oil is incorporated into soaps, lotions, and hair products as a moisturizer and emollient, contributing to texture and skin feel.
- Industrial oleochemical feedstocks
The oil is split into fatty acids and glycerine, which are used to produce surfactants, lubricants, and other chemical intermediates.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Edible oil refining, Food and beverage manufacturing, Personal care and cosmetics, Oleochemical production |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Impurities and free fatty acids in crude oil Food safetyMedium Crude coconut (copra) oil contains natural impurities and elevated free fatty acids, which can affect edible quality and shelf‑life if not properly refined. | Apply refining steps such as degumming, neutralisation and filtration to remove impurities and reduce free fatty acid levels. |
HS classification compliance PolicyLow Coconut oil is classified under HS heading 1513 with specific sub‑headings; incorrect coding can lead to customs delays or duty issues. | Verify the correct 10‑digit HS code (e.g., 1513.11.00.00 for crude oil) before shipment and maintain up‑to‑date tariff information. |
Coconut Oil Questions
- What defines coconut oil under the HS classification?
- Coconut oil is classified as vegetable oil derived from copra, including its crude form and fractions, provided it is not chemically modified.
- How does crude coconut oil differ from refined coconut oil?
- Crude coconut oil is unrefined oil extracted directly from copra and contains natural impurities and free fatty acids, whereas refined coconut oil has been processed to remove these impurities.
- What are the recommended storage conditions for coconut oil?
- Coconut oil should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent oxidation and maintain its quality.